Design and installation of gloveboxes with inert gas atmosphere for molten salt electrolysis and preparation of alloy samples

Gloveboxes with argon gas atmosphere were equipped for the investigation of direct electrolysis of actinide mononitride in molten salt and subsequent preparation of alloy samples for experimental use. Design of the gloveboxes was focused on keeping high purity enough to prevent the reaction of nitride and alloy samples and also chloride -molten salt with oxygen and moisture besides the safety for handling actinides such as plutonium and neptunium. As a result, both the oxygen and moisture contents in the gloveboxes could be kept less than 1 ppm, which would be in accord with the above purpose. A molten salt electrorefiner, a cathode processor, an electrolysis testing apparatus, an arc furnace, two furnaces for heat treatment and a differential scanning calorimeter were installed in the gloveboxes. It was confirmed that these apparatus had an excellent ability for the respective experimental use and met with specifications for safety and operation. (author)